UN Exit Won't Sever Ties: Iraqi PM, 5 JUNE

UN Exit Won't Sever Ties: Iraqi PM

ERBIL — The Iraqi Prime Minister says the end of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) does not mean a severing of ties between Iraq and international agencies focused on development, human rights, or humanitarian aid.

Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, in a press conference on Tuesday, explained that the UN Security Council's decision to end UNAMI's mission was at Iraq's request.

He emphasized that this move signifies a transition, not a complete withdrawal of UN support.

On May 31st, the UN Security Council unanimously agreed to conclude UNAMI's mandate by the end of 2025, as requested by the Iraqi federal government.

Earlier in May, al-Sudani had written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, calling for the phasing out of the UN envoy in Iraq next year, leading to the mission's closure by the end of 2025.

Last week, al-Sudani had a phone call with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and during the conversation, they addressed the timeline for ending UNAMI mandate.

UNAMI has been in Iraq for over 20 years, led by the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative.